S.B. No. 289
AN ACT
relating to excused absences from public school for certain
students to obtain a driver's license or learner license.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-7) and amending Subsection (d) to read as
follows:
(b-7) A school district may excuse a student who is 15 years
of age or older from attending school to visit a driver's license
office to obtain a driver's license or learner license, provided
that:
(1) the district may not excuse more than one day of
school during the period the student is enrolled in high school for
each of the following purposes:
(A) obtaining a driver's license; or
(B) obtaining a learner license; and
(2) the district verifies the student's visit to the
driver's license office in accordance with procedures adopted by
the district.
(d) A student whose absence is excused under Subsection (b),
(b-1), (b-2), (b-4), (b-5), (b-7), or (c) may not be penalized for
that absence and shall be counted as if the student attended school
for purposes of calculating the average daily attendance of
students in the school district. A student whose absence is excused
under Subsection (b), (b-1), (b-2), (b-4), (b-5), (b-7), or (c)
shall be allowed a reasonable time to make up school work missed on
those days. If the student satisfactorily completes the school
work, the day of absence shall be counted as a day of compulsory
attendance.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 289 passed the Senate on
April 9, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 289 passed the House on
May 26, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 126, Nays 21, two
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor